Ivy League Non-Traditional Programs

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm not actually applying to any of these, but I'm wondering what your feelings are on the non-traditional admissions programs at Ivy League colleges. Specifically, I'm thinking of:</p>

<p>Harvard: Harvard Extension School
Columbia: School of General Studies
Penn: College of General Studies
Yale: Eli Whitney Students Program
Brown: Resumed Undergraduate Education Program</p>

<p>Assuming you meet the qualifications -- age knocks me out of most -- would you rather apply through those or the traditional undergraduate colleges? Why or why not? Do you think of the programs as being inferior, or a nice "back-door" into the Ivy League?</p>

<p>Just curious what people think of them.</p>

2

<p>do a search of the forums. there are tons and tons of threads for each program.</p>

3

<p>Most have significant disadvantages such as how many classes you can take and when.</p>

4

<p>the_aspirant: I'm not looking for thoughts on the specific programs; rather, I'm looking for general opinions on having alternative admissions programs like these and whether they're a good thing. Thank you, though!</p>

5

<p>haha yeah i know, i'm just saying that there have been threads for EACH program with tons and tons of pages with useful information :]</p>

<p>it'll probably be a lot more helpful to you.</p>

6

<p>It really depends on your specific situation, what type of career you are looking to pursue, your current academic status, how many credits you have earned, your graduation time frame, any interest in graduate school, etc....</p>

<p>As other posters have stated, it will definitely be helpful to review threads regarding the above-mentioned specific programs within the transfer forum and the college-specific forums. (Beware of the 100+ page Columbia College vs. General Studies thread in the Columbia forum, it is a monster.)</p>

<p>I applied as a non-traditional transfer student, (I had pursued a classical ballet dance career before enrolling in college), and found that it was most helpful to request admissions materials from the schools, (course catalogs, brochures, applications, etc.), extensively review the web sites, contact Admissions Directors, and most importantly, VISIT the schools, attending both an information session and a campus tour. (If you can even find a student enrolled in one of the programs, that would be an extra informative bonus, so you can have an insider's perspective on the program.)</p>

<p>I had originally applied to Columbia's General Studies program for the Fall 2007semester, however, I withdrew my application after I attended an information session this past spring. Despite Columbia's excellent reputation, copious academic resources, and metropolitan location, (and the fact that you would be 'integrated' into the College's classes with traditional undergrads), it would have taken me over 5+ years to graduate, considering the amount of "core courses" I would have needed to complete, and I would not have been able to pursue a double major in psychology and neuroscience due to time constraints. Housing was also an issue, it wasn't guaranteed for anyone within a 70 mile radius of NYC, and financial aid was extremely limited.</p>

<p>Ultimately, I decided to enroll at a university that was dedicated to working with my specific situation and needs, with a gaurantee that I could pursue my double major and graduate wtihin a reasonable time period. </p>

<p>I also did not want to be at a university that harped on my "non-traditional" status; I did not want to graduate with a 'discounted' degree, with the impression that I had a "back door" into a school, insinuating that I did not work as hard or have the appropriate credentials as a typical undergraduate to earn both my initial acceptance and degree.</p>

<p>Okay, I'm rambling. Bottom line is, the answer to your questions are all relative to your current status, future plans, and individual needs. </p>

<p>It would be helpful if you could provide more personal background information so I could offer more adequate advice lol. PM me or feel free to reply with more details so that I and others can provide our opinion on which route would be best for you to take. :)</p>

7

<p>Argh, I just saw you aren't applying to any of these schools. :P</p>

8

<p>I can tell you the Eli Whitney program at Yale is really tough to get into. Each of the last two years they have only admitted 2 students. But, if you get admitted your degree is the same as if you were admitted any other way. It's hard to find a lot of information about the program, other than on Yale's website, even finding students in the program to talk to and get info from on the process/program has been impossible. I think it's very small and selective.</p>

9

<p>I dont view it as a back door when it is utilized by the students that are meant to utilize the program. Some people take very different and truly non traditional paths and accomplish a set of experiences that set them apart from the regular students at any school, so for them these programs are essential.</p>

10

<p>I like Penn's and Brown's programs.</p>

<p>And, I agree with Malishka. The non-traditional programs are mainly for students who take/have taken a different path in their educational life. The RUE program at Brown is better integrated, if the idea is to take classes during the day with the rest of the student body. The Penn program is mainly at night, although you can get permission to take day classes, and is designed to make an Ivy League education less daunting for those that have been out of school for a while (although, it utilizes the same faculty as the A&S and is just a rigorous).</p>

<p>Eli Whitney program at Yale is similar to Brown's. As was pointed out, it is very hard to get into, however.</p>

<p>Columbia, with it's core requirements, is rigorous and has a good number of options. The 'downside' for a few is that the actual diploma is 'different' than Columbia College. I don't perceive that as a lesser degree by any means.</p>

<p>Harvard's Extension school may be the easiest to get into, but the courses often use Harvard professors. The classes are all at night (you have to apply to take a class or two during the day), but the school is flexible as it has many online options.</p>

11

<p>Hi,
As far as taking classes in the day time at Harvard College, you would need to complete 8 classes with at least a B+ average in order to apply to Harvard's Special Student Status program. As a Special Student, you are limited to 2 classes per semester for one academic school year, with the option of re-newing it for an additional year.</p>

<p>This is a very good option for those who wish to take classes that are not offered at the Harvard Extension School.</p>

12

<p>ARE these programs optional or mandatory? If you want to go to BROWN U and you are over 25, do you have to apply as a RUE? thank you</p>

13

<p>Can you get a B.S.c in molecular biology if you attend Harvard Extension School?</p>

14

<p>Hi,
You should check out the Harvard Extension School's website. I believe that you could do a degree in Molecular Biology. But your degree will still be a ALB in Natural Sciences. To enhance on the degree, you would need to do very well in your classes in order to obtain SSS at Harvard College to take the remaining classes for you degree.</p>